In-form Mark Allen thrashes Davis

Defending champion Mark Allen followed up his straightforward victories against Peter Lines and Sam Craigie at the International Championship by thrashing Mark Davis 6-1 in the last 32.

The Ulsterman won the title in Daqing last year by beating Neil Robertson 10-5 in the final and appears to be determined to retain his crown.

Meanwhile, world champion Judd Trump compiled a break of 142 on his way to defeating Zhang Anda 6-2. The 29-year-old, who won the tournament in 2012, could move ahead of Ronnie O’Sullivan and to the top of the world rankings, if he enjoys a good week in Daqing.

Ding Junhui came from 3-1 down to win the all-Chinese clash against Zhao Xintong 6-4 while Yan Bingtao, Liang Wenbo, and Xiao Guodong all advanced as well. Liang beat Ashley Carty 6-5 while Xiao edged past Duane Jones by the same scoreline.

Last week’s Riga Masters champion Yan saw off the 19 year-old Chang Bingyu 6-3. Two-time former champion Mark Selby, John Higgins and Kyren Wilson all progressed as well but Jack Lisowski suffered a surprise 6-5 defeat to Andrew Higginson despite leading 4-1 at one stage. Luca Brecel and Anthony McGill got the better of Akani Songsermsawad and Michael Holt respectively while Ben Woollaston saw off Mark King 6-3.

Selby can be backed at 1.25 to beat Woollaston while Higgins is available at 1.17 to get the better of Elliot Slessor.